In this March 15, 2017 photo, an Uber representative helps travelers find rides with Uber at LaGuardia Airport in New York. Upstate New York holds a dubious distinction in the continental United States:... (Seth Wenig)

(Newser)
–
Brian Cook's March Madness-inspired trip to Buffalo to cheer on Princeton was, for him, a journey back to a simpler time, when hailing a ride meant standing on a corner and flagging down a taxi. "For a 19-year-old, that's unknown," said Cook. "I take Uber everywhere, always." Upstate New York, essentially everything outside of the metro New York City area, is Uber's final frontier: the largest area in the continental US where app-based ride-hailing companies are banned. Many in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and Syracuse are hoping to end that, but they will have to persuade the state's legislature. Previous efforts have repeatedly foundered, under pressure from the taxi industry and lawmakers who want stringent rules. "I can go to New York City, Philadelphia, DC, and I can utilize the app, but I can't utilize it in my own city," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, one of nine mayors to write state leaders.

Only Alaska and New York lack statewide ride-hailing regulations—though service is unavailable in many rural areas, reports the AP. New York's decision could come within weeks. Supporters and upstate mayors back bills from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Republican-led Senate but have concerns about legislation in the Democrat-run Assembly. That bill would authorize communities to pass their own regulations, and impose higher taxes and insurance costs. Uber is betting March Madness might help tip the debate. Buffalo is hosting games and visitors who open their Uber app—perhaps unaware it is banned—get a message urging them to tweet their frustrations at lawmakers. "This is a really exciting time in Buffalo," said state Sen. Chris Jacobs, who argues the service will decrease drunken driving and give the elderly and disabled options. "There's a reason why this is so successful elsewhere. It's really an embarrassment frankly that we haven't resolved this."

I live in the Albany area, and believe me, we need this service.There are not enough taxi's to service this area, and most are disgusting old police cars. The stories of these cabs are legend- first of all- no meters! (you are charged by a confusing system of "zones"), being picked up only to find another drunken, groping, vomiting passenger in the back seat that is sharing the ride with you, waiting for an hour, being told that no driver will "go there", etc. There was a heroin ring busted 2 years ago that used taxi's to deliver to Dave & Buster clients-- and a lot of the drivers were paid with product- if that tells you anything about the caliber of some of the drivers of these stinky conveniences. The problem was so bad that the taxi companies started an airport only taxi division (8-10 cabs) with clean silver colored mini vans and vetted drivers. Most locals know that these taxi's operating do not offer reliable service and just drive to the club/bar and back, putting drunk drivers on the road ( a reliable source of revenue ). Is that the reason? We have the Saratoga Race Track, a new Casino in Schnectady, and a new Convention Center being built. Uber and Lyft need to step up their game, and throw some bribe money around- that's how things get done in NY. Taxi lobby my ass!

LJayne

Mar 19, 2017 9:57 PM CDT

Some here in NY have no taxi service, no buses, and no trains -- hell, the last train to come through my area had a steam engine on it. This type of service is needed here. The problem here is corruption and in NY it's rampant -- i think it should be regulated on a federal level.

SJay

Mar 19, 2017 12:43 PM CDT

I always tip my Uber drivers at least 10 bucks because I think it's too cheap. Took a 30 minte ride today for only 16.00. Felt like it was worth more so I had to add a tip.